In the wake of the slaughter of students and adults at a Florida high school two days ago, will Indiana legislators continue to consider Senate Bill 33, which would make it legal to bring a gun onto school property if the school is also used as a church?

This is the digest of the bill: "Houses of worship and firearms. Permits a person who may legally possess a firearm to possess a firearm on school property, unless prohibited by the house of worship, if the person possesses the firearm: (1) as an employee or volunteer of a house of worship located on the school property; or (2) while attending a worship service or religious ceremony conducted at a house of worship."

As currently written, there is no exemption for public schools which rent or lease their premises to churches for community use.

This bill has passed the Senate and moved to the House, where it has been referred to the House Public Policy Committee. You can take action.

Reach out to school employees and parents to let them know about Senate Bill 33.

Contact your state representative. Guns don't belong around children. For those of you in Monroe County, Representative Peggy Mayfield serves on the Public Policy Committee. If you manage to reach her, tell us what she says. (Comment below!)

Contact the head of the Public Policy Committee, Representative Ben Smaltz, to ask him to show respect to the dead and refuse to hear this bill. His email is h52@iga.in.gov and his office can be reached through the House line, 800-382-9841.

This session has not been as painful as prior ones, but there are some bills that just don't jive. Here are a few bills to oppose at the moment:

HB1315 – School corporation financial management.The bill would hand control of Muncie Community Schools over to Ball State University (BSU). The local community would lose control of school as school board as new board would be appointed by Ball State trustees (who themselves appointed by the state of Indiana). For all other teachers in the state, the bill would hold classroom teachers responsible for the state of a school districts' finances by specifically calling for the termination of up to 5 percent of the teacher force by the end of a fall semester, if a district is designated as being in fiscal distress. These actions would no doubt impact student learning, academic goals and increase class sizes in the middle of a school year. Read more here and here.

SB33 -Houses of worship and firearms. Permits a person who may legally possess a firearm to possess a firearm on school property, unless prohibited by the house of worship, if the person possesses the firearm: (1) as an employee or volunteer of a house of worship located on the school property; or (2) while attending a worship service or religious ceremony conducted at a house of worship. This has been referred to the House Public Policy committee. A reading date has yet to be set. In the wake of everything since Columbine: GUNS DON'T BELONG ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

SB387 – Teacher Licensing. This bill is a potluck bill. Lots going on. Thankfully the 10% unlicensed teachers allowed in public schools line was removed. However, while most teacher salary bills died in committee, this one has a salary element lives on and it's one that does not benefit the collective whole (it does the opposite). A part of this bill would allow administrators to give supplemental pay bonuses to a select few teachers (special needs and STEM), at the expense of others, without bargaining these decisions. The effect would be the loss of some, or all, funds available for the rest of the teacher force. The extra pay comes out of the pockets of every other teacher, as this bill does not include additional funding. Also, stipends could be taken away at any time — they never become part of an employees’ base pay. This erodes bargaining, and the value of bargaining, because annually the interests of all get weighed and decisions are made based upon both short and longer-term interests.

SB 65 – Instruction on Human Sexuality. The bill would prohibit a school from providing instruction on human sexuality unless parents sign a consent form to opt-in to the class. Read more here. Please note that ACLU is also against this legislation. They state: Senate Bill 65, which would limit instruction on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” in public schools, is so broadly worded that it could prevent schools from discussing any LGBTQ issues without express written permission from parents.

Bills to Be Read by the House Education Committee on February 13 at 8:30 a.m.

SB24 - DO PASS Yeas: 12; Nays: 0; (Voted on 02/13)Student possession and use of sunscreen. Provides that a student may possess and use a topical, non-aerosol sunscreen product while on school property or at a school sponsored event or activity without being required to: (1) have a physician's note or prescription; or (2) store the topical, non-aerosol sunscreen product in a specific location; if the product is regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use for the purpose of limiting ultraviolet light-induced skin damage. Allows school personnel to assist a student in applying the sunscreen if the school has written permission from the student's parent or guardian. Provides certain civil immunity for school corporations, schools, and school personnel for any action taken to comply with the sunscreen provisions.

SB434 - DO PASS Yeas: 8; Nays: 2; (Voted on 02/13)Study committee. Urges the legislative council to assign to the education interim study committee the task of studying: (1) the current regulatory framework and methods to streamline regulatory compliance; and (2) the use of innovative solutions and public-private partnerships in delivering educational services and sharing of best practices.

Bills to Be Read by the House Ways & Means Committee on February 13

SB189 - Brief discussion. No vote yet.K-12 funding. Provides that the budget agency shall transfer from the state tuition reserve account to the state general fund the amount necessary to offset a reduction in state tuition support if: (1) basic tuition support has been reduced because the amount of choice scholarships exceeds the estimated amount prepared by the legislative services agency and provided to members of the general assembly before May 1 of the most recent odd-numbered year; or (2) basic tuition support has been reduced because the average daily membership (ADM), the special education student count, or the career and technical education student count exceeds the estimated count prepared by the legislative services agency and provided to members of the general assembly before May 1 of the most recent odd-numbered year. (Under current law, the budget agency may make such a transfer if basic tuition support has been reduced because the amount of choice scholarships exceeds the estimated amount.) Provides that the amount of the transfer for a state fiscal year is equal to the lesser of: (1) the amount of reductions in state tuition support that result because the amount of choice scholarships or the pupil counts exceed the estimated amount; or (2) $25,000,000

WEDNESDAY

Bills to Be Read by the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee on February 14 at 10:00 a.m.TESTIMONY ONLY THIS DAY​HB1039 - To be read 2/20/2018 - Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 9:00 AM, Rm. 431Study of tax topics. Urges the legislative council to have the interim study committee on fiscal policy study the following: (1) Whether the annual limit on the adjusted gross income tax credit for contributions to a college choice 529 savings plan should be modified in some way to allow a taxpayer to make greater contributions earlier in the taxpayer's schedule of savings. (2) The implications of changes made by the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the allowable uses of 529 plans. (3) Whether the adjusted gross income tax deduction for education expenditures should be extended to include expenditures made in connection with the enrollment, attendance, and participation in a public school elementary or high school education program.

Bills to Be Read by the Senate Education and Career Development Committee on February 14 at 1:30 p.m.

HB1024 - To be read 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberHeat preparedness training for coaches. Provides that head coaches and assistant coaches who coach interscholastic sports or intramural sports must complete a certified coaching education course that includes content for prevention of or response to heat related medical issues that may arise from a student athlete's training.

HB1074- To be read 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberVarious higher education matters. Makes changes regarding the: (1) conditions required to qualify for the renewal of a twenty-first century scholars program scholarship; and (2) award amounts to twenty-first century scholars program scholarship applicants who attend a private, approved postsecondary educational institution. Makes the following changes concerning the primary care shortage area scholarship: (1) Amends the practice requirements to receive a scholarship. (2) Amends the repayment requirements for noncompliance with a primary care practice agreement. (3) Allows the commission for higher education (commission) to impose and collect interest on unpaid repayment amounts. (4) Provides that, if the commission and a recipient of a scholarship enter into a new written agreement that complies with the primary care shortage area scholarship provisions, the commission and recipient may terminate an agreement entered into or renewed before July 1, 2018. Requires the chairperson of the commission to appoint a: (1) seven member student member nominating committee; and (2) seven member faculty member nominating committee. (Current law requires the chairperson to appoint a ten member nominating committee of five student members and five faculty members.) Modifies the procedures that a state educational institution must use to dispose of real estate (including any real estate acquired by gift, bequest, or devise). Provides that an applicant who: (1) does not maintain satisfactory academic progress as required to be eligible for a high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant; but (2) meets other certain conditions; is still eligible for the grant. Repeals certain statutes concerning: (1) the disposition of gifts, bequests, and devises of real estate to state educational institutions; and (2) matters that pertain to the closing process in the disposition of real estate by a state educational institution. Makes conforming amendments. Removes an expired provision.

HB1230 - To be read 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberSchool safety. Requires the department of education (department) to maintain a link on the department's Internet web site providing parents and school officials with resources or best practices regarding the prevention or reporting of bullying and cyberbullying. Requires the state board of education and school corporations to maintain an Internet link to the department's Internet web site on their Internet web sites. Requires the department to maintain a link on the department's Internet web site regarding the identification and reporting of human trafficking. Requires certain employees of a school corporation or an accredited nonpublic school to receive at least one hour of inservice training every two years pertaining to the identification and reporting of human trafficking. Provides that a school corporation's disciplinary rules pertaining to bullying must prohibit bullying through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer or through a cellular telephone or other wireless or cellular communications device. (Current law provides that a school corporation's disciplinary rules pertaining to bullying must prohibit bullying through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a computer.)

HB1314 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberStudents receiving foster care services. Requires the State board of education to, in collaboration with the department of education (department) and the of child services, prepare a report on foster care youth educational outcomes. Requires the department to, before November 1, 2018, and before November 1 each year thereafter, submit the report to the department of child services and legislative council. Requires certain information regarding students receiving foster care to be included in a school corporation's annual performance report. Requires the department of child services to, not later than 10 days after a child who attends public school is placed in foster care, notify the department that the child has been placed in foster care.

HB 1398 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberCoalition of school corporations. Provides that the state board of education (state board) may approve a coalition of continuous improvement school districts (coalition). Provides that certain statutes or rules may be suspended for a coalition member. Specifies that the state board may approve a plan submitted by a proposed coalition that requests the suspension of all or portions of IC 20-30 (curriculum) only if the suspension is related to a specific goal of the proposed coalition. Requires, not later than November 1, 2019, the department of education to annually report to the legislative council information regarding the impact to a school in a coalition that includes the following: (1) The fiscal impact on a school that participates in a coalition. (2) The qualifications of each teacher who teaches in a coalition. (3) The type of future employment for which a student in a coalition is trained and the amount and terms of compensation (if applicable) that a student receives through a coalition's partnership with a member of business or industry. (4) The impact of a coalition member's participation in a coalition on the coalition member's graduation rates. (5) Information regarding where a student in a coalition later obtains full-time employment.

THURSDAYBills to Be Read by the Senate Appropriations Committee on February 15 at 9:00 a.m.

TESTIMONY ONLY THIS DAY

HB1001 Education funding. Permits the budget agency to transfer from the K-12 state tuition reserve account to the state general fund the amount necessary to cover the K-12 state tuition distribution amount when it exceeds the appropriated amount. Limits the transfer to $25,000,000 in state fiscal year 2018 and $50,000,000 for state fiscal year 2019. Makes conforming changes.HB1167School corporation financial management. Provides that a school corporation's rainy day fund may be used to pay for teacher bonuses and stipends. Permits money in a school corporation's operations fund at the end of a year to be transferred to the school corporation's rainy day fund. Combines various levies into a single operations fund levy beginning in 2019. Changes provisions concerning the education fund and operations fund. Specifies the items to be included in a school corporation's capital projects plan. Changes the reasons for which a school corporation may appeal to increase the school corporation's operations fund levy for transportation purposes. Requires an appeal to increase or a petition to adjust the maximum operations fund levy for a year to be filed before October 20 of the preceding year. Resolves conflicts among various 2017 acts that take effect before the education funding and accounting changes made by HEA 1009-2017. Make technical changes.

HB1315School corporation financial management. Allows the distressed unit appeal board (DUAB) to delegate board authority, duties, and responsibilities to the executive director by resolution of the board. Permits only the emergency manager to petition the DUAB to terminate a political subdivision's distressed status. Allows the DUAB to adopt rules. Requires the attorney general to represent a member of the fiscal management board, an emergency manager, a chief financial officer, or a chief academic officer if the individual requests the representation. Specifies restrictions on school corporations that are designated distressed. Allows a limited reduction in employees for distressed school corporation after September 30 of a year. Specifies that waivers regarding the allocation of protected taxes apply only to distressed school corporations and not other distressed units. Makes changes concerning the Gary Community school corporation and its operation. Converts the Gary Community school corporation's governing board to an advisory committee. Provides that the Gary Community school corporation advisory committee may not hold a public meeting more often than once every three months and provides that any other meetings are authorized executive sessions under the open door law. Specifies that advisory committee may vote to fill vacancies and select officers of the advisory committee. Removes the laws concerning the Muncie Community School Corporation being a fiscally impaired school corporation. Permits the Ball State University board of trustees to adopt a resolution to govern the Muncie Community school corporation using a newly appointed seven member governing board. Requires that at least two members reside in the Muncie Community School Corporation district. Requires the governing body to engage academically innovative strategies. Specifies that only certain laws in IC 20 will apply to the Muncie Community school corporation. Specifies other conditions. Permits the DUAB to recommend to the state board of finance that the state board of finance make an interest free loan to the Muncie Community Schools. Establishes a fiscal and qualitative indicators committee to make initial determinations about the fiscal and qualitative factors to be used in analyzing the financial condition of school corporations. Specifies certain factors that may be used. Requires the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee to make initial determinations about the presentation of the factors and the financial condition of school corporations to the public and the frequency of updates. Requires the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee to report its findings, recommendations, and procedures to the state budget committee before being made final. Requires the DUAB to present school financial condition information on its Internet web site or the management performance hub (MPH)'s Internet web site. Sets minimum standards for presenting the information. Requires the DUAB to determine the financial condition of each school corporation and whether a school corporation should be placed on a watch list. Requires the DUAB to report to the state budget committee the process that will be used between contacting a school corporation about its financial condition and being placed on the watch list, including a report on what factors will cause a school corporation to be put on the watch list, any particular funding issues that may cause a school corporation to be on the watch list, and when the list will be made public. Provides that if a school corporation remains on the watch list for four consecutive years, the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents shall decide if it is appropriate to recommend to the Indiana department of education whether disciplinary action should be taken by the department regarding the superintendent. Permits the DUAB to enter into an agreement with a school corporation showing fiscal distress to establish a corrective action plan. Requires various reports.

Bills to Be Read by the House Education Committee on February 15, 2018 8:30am

SB65 - In CommitteeInstruction on human sexuality. Requires each school corporation to make available for inspection to a parent of a student instructional material used in connection with instruction on human sexuality. Prohibits a school from providing a student with instruction on human sexuality unless the parent of the student or the student (if the student is an adult or an emancipated minor) consents to the instruction. Establishes requirements regarding the consent form. Requires the department of education and the governing body of a school corporation to give parents and students notice of these requirements.

SB297 - DO PASS AMEND Yeas: 12; Nays: 0; (Voted on 02/15)Employability skills curriculum. Provides that the department of workforce development will establish standards that provide students with career and college planning resources under the Indiana career explorer program and standards. (Current law provides that the department of workforce development will establish curriculum under the Indiana career explorer program and curriculum.) Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, each school within a school corporation shall include interdisciplinary employability skills standards established by the department of education (department), in conjunction with the department of workforce development and approved by the state board of education, in the school's curriculum. Provides that, if the department determines that the pilot program for instruction in and use of the Indiana career explorer program and standards should be extended, the department, in consultation with the department of workforce development, must increase the number of schools involved in the pilot program by at least 15 additional schools, if possible based on the interest from schools. Provides that the state board of education, in consultation with the department and the department of workforce development, may approve an alternative Internet based system and standards (Current law provides that the department, in consultation with the department of workforce development may approve alternative Internet based system and standards.) Establishes the work ethic certificate program (program) and fund. Requires the department of workforce development to administer the program.

Bills Yet to Be Assigned a Reading Date ​HB1356 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberBullying. Provides that a school corporation is not required to report the number of incidents of bullying in the school corporation's annual school performance report. Provides that information reported by a school corporation relating to the number of incidents of bullying that occur may not be used in calculation of a school's annual school improvement grade. Provides that the department of education (department) must annually send notification via electronic mail or a letter to each school corporation explaining: (1) the school corporation's obligation to submit a report to the department containing the number of bullying incidents involving a student; and (2) that the department may conduct an audit of the school corporation to ensure that bullying incidents are accurately reported. Provides that the department may conduct an audit of a school corporation to ensure that bullying incidents are accurately reported. Provides that the department must report discrepancies of an audit on the department's Internet web site. Requires the department to conduct a statewide survey concerning the improvement of school corporation reporting of incidents of bullying involving a student to the department. Requires, not later than November 1, 2018, the department to submit a report to the general assembly.

HB1399 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberElementary school teacher content area licenses. Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, the state board of education shall adopt rules to establish one or more elementary school teacher content area licenses that must, at a minimum, include an: (1) elementary mathematics specialist license; and (2) elementary mathematics and science teacher license. Establishes requirements to be eligible for an elementary mathematics specialist license and an elementary mathematics and science teacher license. Requires the department of education (department) to develop an incentive program to assist and reward teachers who pursue and earn an elementary school teacher content area license. Provides that the department shall make recommendations to the general assembly regarding ways to accomplish the goals of the incentive program

HB1420 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberVarious education matters. Makes changes relating to how parents of students are nominated and approved to be members of the commission on seclusion and restraint in schools. Provides that a student with special needs who has a service plan or a choice scholarship education plan may be admitted to the Indiana School for the Deaf. Provides that a student who is withdrawn from enrollment from a virtual charter school for failure to participate in courses pursuant to the school's student engagement policy may not reenroll in that same virtual charter school for the school year in which the student is withdrawn. Defines "education records". Requires an organizer of a charter school that is closing for any reason to establish a charter school protocol that explains to a parent of a student enrolled in the charter school the procedure that the charter school uses to transfer a student's education records. Provides that a Cambridge International course may be used for the following purposes: (1) As the basis for a supplemental payment to a teacher who teaches a Cambridge International course. (2) As one of the assessments that a student in grades 10 through 12 voluntarily plans to take. (3) As an additional curriculum model available to high school students. (4) As a replacement for certain high school courses on a student's high school transcript. (5) For a student's receipt of credits toward graduation by demonstrating proficiency in a course or subject area. (6) To place a student who is a child of a military family in the appropriate course when the student transfers to a new school. (7) For purposes of determining eligibility for various higher education scholarship and awards programs and amounts. Provides that each student who enrolls in a Cambridge course may take the accompanying Cambridge International examination to receive high school credit for the Cambridge course. Requires the department of education and the state board of education to provide that a successfully completed Cambridge course is credited toward fulfilling the requirements of an Indiana diploma that contains the Core 40 with academic honors designation. Subject to certain conditions, provides that an individual or entity must: (1) notify a public school regarding an alleged violation of law; and (2) indicate a proposed remedy; before the individual or entity may file a civil action or an administrative proceeding against the public school. Provides that after receiving a notice from an individual or entity, a public school may take the following actions: (1) Remedy the alleged violation or violations. (2) Make a written offer to settle a dispute. Provides that a proposed remedy offered by an individual or entity must include the following: (1) A specific request for relief. (2) An opportunity for the public school to offer the individual or entity the relief requested before the individual or entity initiates a civil action or administrative proceeding against the public school. Specifies that if an individual or entity does not notify the public school before filing a civil action or administrative proceeding, a court, administrative law judge, or hearing officer shall dismiss the civil action or administrative proceeding without prejudice. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying the impact of litigation on school corporations and charter schools. Provides that an issuing officer shall issue an employment certificate to a student who attends a nonaccredited nonpublic school after receiving: (1) proof of age; and (2) proof of prospective employment. Provides that a child who attends a nonaccredited nonpublic school who is seeking an employment certificate from a school the child does not attend must also present to the issuing officer an attestation from the student's parent that the student is enrolled in school. Provides that a written statement may be submitted to the issuing officer via facsimile or electronic mail. Provide that the student may not work more than three hours on a school day other than a Friday. Repeals a provision concerning the transfer of student records. Makes conforming amendments. Resolves a conflict between P.L.217-2017 and P.L.250-2017.

HB1421 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChambeSchool discipline. Provides that the department of education's (department) model evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline must: (1) reduce out-of-school suspension and disproportionality in discipline and expulsion; and (2) limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to cases in which referral to law enforcement or arrest is necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Provides that, beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, the department, in collaboration with parent organizations and state educational institutions, shall, upon a school corporation's request, provide information and assistance to the school corporation regarding the implementation of the school corporation's evidence based plan to ensure that teachers and administrators receive appropriate professional development and other resources in preparation for carrying out the plan. Urges the legislative council is urged to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying the use of positive student discipline and restorative justice practices by elementary and secondary schools. Requires the department to conduct a survey of school corporation school discipline policies to determine the extent to which positive discipline and restorative justice practices are being utilized.

HB1426 - To be read - 2/21/2018 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Senate ChamberEducation matters. Urges the legislative council during the 2018 through 2020 interims to assign to the education interim study committee the task of studying issues relating to a school corporation's ability to provide adequate career counseling to students. Requires the state board of education (state board) to establish one Indiana diploma for individuals who successfully complete high school graduation requirements. (Current law establishes four different diplomas.) Provides that each Indiana diploma must include one of the following designations: (1) General designation. (2) Core 40 designation. (3) Core 40 with academic honors designation. (4) Core 40 with technical honors designation. Requires the state board to create an alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Requires, in adopting Core 40 curriculum models, the state board to consider math course requirements other than Algebra II. Allows the state board to adopt rules to establish: (1) math course requirements; and (2) science course requirements; for the Core 40 curriculum models. Repeals provisions that: (1) require the state board to design a high school diploma for the high school fast track program; and (2) establish a subcommittee to make recommendations regarding diplomas and certain course requirements and develop the requirements for a career and technical education diploma. Provides that, for each school year beginning after June 30, 2019, a high school shall administer as part of the statewide assessment a nationally recognized college entrance exam. Eliminates the requirement of end of course assessments to be administered as part of the statewide assessment program. Provides that a high school shall administer science as part of the statewide assessment. Resolves a conflict in a provision that requires the state board to develop guidelines to assist secondary schools to identify students likely to require remediation. Eliminates a requirement that a student must take a college and career readiness examination if the student is identified under the guidelines developed by the state board to likely be in need of remediation. Provides that certain statewide assessments must use a scale score that will ensure the statewide assessment scores are comparable to assessment scoring used as part of the ISTEP program, before its expiration. Provides that a student may receive a waiver from the postsecondary readiness competency requirements that are part of the graduation pathway requirements if the student meets certain conditions. Provides that the state board of education may authorize the use of the graduation examination as a graduation requirement for cohorts that graduate before July 1, 2023. Adds a provision to the list of purposes for which a charter school may limit new admissions to the charter school. Makes conforming amendments.​HB1002 - 2/7/2018 - Referred to Senate AppropriationsReorganization of workforce funding and programs. Requires an annual workforce related program review by the legislative services agency. Repeals the training 2000 program and fund and the Indiana regional cities development fund, effective July 1, 2019, and provides for program phase outs. Requires the state workforce innovation council to review each proposed grant award by the department of workforce development (DWD) before the grant is awarded by the DWD. Establishes the next level workforce training and development fund (fund) as a dedicated fund for certain state workforce training and development programs. Dedicates all corporate adjusted gross income tax revenues to the fund. Requires the creation of accounts within the fund. Establishes the employer workforce training grant fund to provide money for grants to eligible employers that incur costs or expenses for training programs that allow their employees or prospective employees in Indiana to attain a work related degree, certification, or credential. Requires the state board of education, when establishing an apprenticeship as a graduation pathway requirement, to establish as an apprenticeship only an apprenticeship program registered under the federal National Apprenticeship Act or another federal apprenticeship program administered by the United States Department of Labor. Provides that an emancipated student or the parent of a student enrolled in a career or technical course may voluntarily release information, on a form prescribed by the department of education, pertaining to the student's enrollment in the career and technical education course to potential employers that contact the school to recruit students with particular career and technical skills. Requires the DWD to: (1) develop information regarding workforce needs in Indiana; (2) assign at least two existing employees at each one stop center (one stop centers provide access to services required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014) to work with school counselors; and (3) upon request of a school corporation, make a presentation to middle school and high school counselors. Transforms Ivy Tech Community College's regional boards of trustees to campus boards of trustees. Specifies that an individual who is enrolled as a part-time post-secondary student, regardless of whether a part-time student is qualified to receive an adult student grant, may participate in the employment aid readiness network (EARN) Indiana program. Specifies that certain requirements regarding educational qualifications of nursing faculty members are suspended from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2024. Requires the family and social services administration and the Indiana department of transportation to perform a coordinated study on leveraging money for transportation to workforce related programs. Revises eligibility criteria for applicants for high value workforce ready credit-bearing grants. Provides that if the demand for high value workforce ready credit-bearing grants exceeds the appropriation, the commission for higher education shall prioritize applicants who are classified as independent. Requires workforce and education information as part of the biennial budget report that is submitted to the governor and state budget committee for preparation of the governor's proposed budget bill. Makes conforming amendments.

HB1242 - 2/1/2018 - Referred to Senate AppropriationResident tuition for serving on the USS Indiana. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, certain persons who serve or served on the USS Indiana (SSN-789) are eligible for the resident tuition rate determined by the state educational institution.

SB172 - To be read - 2/20/2018 - House Education, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 8:30 AM, House ChamberComputer science. Establishes the next level computer science grant program (program) and the next level computer science fund (fund) to award grants, after June 30, 2019, to eligible entities to implement teacher professional development programs for training in teaching computer science. Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) administer the program and fund; and (2) develop, in consultation with the governor's office, guidelines to award grants from the fund to eligible entities. Requires, not later than August 1, 2018, the state superintendent of public instruction to enter into a contract for professional development services. Requires the department to biannually submit a progress report to the governor regarding the: (1) development and administration of the program and fund; and (2) status of public schools in meeting computer science curriculum requirements. Provides that, if the department does not comply with the requirements regarding the program and fund, the state board of education shall assume the department's duties. Requires (beginning July 1, 2021) each public school to offer a computer science course as a one semester elective course in its curriculum at least once each school year to high school students. Requires (beginning July 1, 2021) each public school to include computer science in the public school's science curriculum for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

SB177 - 2/12/2018 - Referred to House EducationThe Indiana high school diploma. Requires the state board of education (state board) to establish one Indiana diploma for individuals who successfully complete high school graduation requirements. (Current law establishes four different diplomas.) Provides that each Indiana diploma must include one of the following designations: (1) General designation. (2) Core 40 designation. (3) Core 40 with academic honors designation. (4) Core 40 with technical honors designation. Requires, in adopting Core 40 curriculum models, the state board to consider math course requirements other than Algebra II. Allows the state board to adopt rules to establish: (1) math course requirements; and (2) science course requirements; for the Core 40 curriculum models. Repeals provisions that: (1) require the state board to design a high school diploma for the high school fast track program; and (2) establish a subcommittee to make recommendations regarding diplomas and certain course requirements and develop the requirements for a career and technical education diploma.

SB217 - To be read - 2/20/2018 - House Education, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 8:30 AM, House ChamberDyslexia. Requires the following: (1) A school multidisciplinary team must include information about dyslexia in a student's educational evaluation if the multidisciplinary team determines that the student is eligible to receive special education and related services and has or has characteristics of dyslexia. (2) Information about dyslexia must be: (A) discussed by the student's case conference committee if information about dyslexia is included in the student's educational evaluation; and (B) included in the student's individualized education program if the case conference committee determines that the information should be included. Requires school corporations and charter schools to screen: (1) each student in kindergarten, grade 1, and grade 2; and (2) certain other students. Establishes requirements regarding dyslexia screenings, notifications to parents, and dyslexia intervention services (including instructional approaches). Requires school corporations and charter schools to: (1) use the response to intervention process to address needs of students who are determined to have characteristics of dyslexia; and (2) obtain parental consent before administering a level I dyslexia screening or a level II dyslexia screening. Allows a student's parent to elect to have an independent comprehensive dyslexia evaluation of the student. Requires school corporations and charter schools to report annually to the department of education (department) regarding the number of students who were: (1) administered the initial dyslexia screening during the school year; and (2) determined to be at risk, or at some risk, for dyslexia. Requires a school corporation and charter school to report on the school corporation's or charter school's Internet web site certain information regarding dyslexia. Requires, not later than July 1, 2019, the department to employ at least one dyslexia specialists. Establishes the: (1) requirements for a dyslexia specialist; and (2) services the dyslexia specialist is required to provide. Requires, not later than the 2019-2020 school year, each school corporation and charter school to employ at least one individual to serve as a dyslexia interventionist for the school corporation or charter school. Requires, not later than the 2019-2020 school year, the department to ensure that each teacher receives professional awareness information on dyslexia. Requires the department to develop and update an Indiana dyslexia resource guide.

SB236Say's Firefly designated as state insect. Designates Pyractomena angulata, also known as "Say's Firefly", as the official state insect of Indiana.

Sexual assault and hazing legislation for university students. (2 different bills)

Better safety measures on school buses.

Mandatory civics education.

*** Helping the School City of East Chicago to pay a $3 million loan for a problem that was not their fault. Recall arsenic and lead were found on school ground requiring the school to move and its students to be relocated. The relocation cost $3 million. The relocation has also resulted in the loss of students, which means a loss in their operating budget. Since the contamination was not their fault, they would like the general funds to pay for the loan. You can read more here.

Digests of Dead Bills​HB1040 Muncie Community Schools. Provides that, not later than June 30, 2020, the Muncie Community Schools may request an interest free loan from the common school fund.

HB1042 Early childhood education. Removes the requirement that, for an eligible child to qualify for a grant under the prekindergarten pilot program, the eligible child reside with a parent or guardian who is: (1) working or attending a job training program or educational program; or (2) actively seeking employment. Removes a provision that allows priority for a grant to an eligible child whose parent or guardian is involved in: (1) activities that improve the parent's or guardian's education; or (2) job training.

HB1124 Sale of school buildings. Provides that if: (1) two or more school corporations consolidate or reorganize; and (2) a school building becomes closed, unused, or unoccupied as a result of the consolidation or reorganization; the governing body of the consolidated or reorganized school corporation may request from the department of education (department) a waiver from the requirements for making the vacant school building available to a charter school before the school corporation may sell or exchange the building. Requires the department to grant the waiver if requested. Resolves conflicts between P.L.217-2017, P.L.241-2017, and P.L.244-2017.

HB1165School buses. Requires a governing body seeking to purchase a school bus or special purpose bus to request information concerning the cost of purchasing a school bus or special purpose bus equipped with 3-point lap and shoulder safety belts. Requires the governing body to hold a public hearing on the costs and benefits of purchasing a school bus or special purpose bus with 3-point lap and shoulder safety belts before voting on whether to purchase a school bus or special purpose bus equipped with 3-point lap and shoulder safety belts. Allows a school corporation to use a portion of a grant from the safe schools fund or the secured school fund toward purchase or equipping school buses and special purpose buses with safety equipment. Requires each occupant of a school bus or special purpose bus that has a 3-point lap and shoulder safety belt to have the 3-point lap and shoulder safety belt properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the bus is in motion. Provides for an exception to the laws concerning other types of passenger restraint systems. Makes an appropriation.

HB1166Teacher evaluations. Defines the term "qualified school district". Provides that each qualified school district shall develop and maintain a teacher performance plan that must be in writing and approved by the department of education (department). Provides that teacher evaluations must be based on statistically verifiable measures of student instructional improvement goals that are approved by the qualified school district after discussing and receiving input from the teachers. Provides that certain teachers who teach at a school that has not been identified by the department as a school subject to comprehensive support and improvement pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act may be required to receive an evaluation only once every two years. Requires certain teachers to receive annual evaluations. Provides that the department may issue compliance orders to a qualified school district that fails to comply with the provision regarding teacher performance evaluations or the terms of the qualified school district's teacher performance evaluation plan approved by the department. Provides that if a qualified school district does not comply with a compliance order within the time frame established by the department, the department may withhold the distribution of state money, including grants designated for the qualified school district. Provides that a qualified school district may dismiss a new teacher after the teacher's third year of teaching if the teacher received any combination of ratings of "needs improvement" or "ineffective" during the teacher's initial three years of teaching. Repeals a current provision establishing requirements for a school corporation's staff performance evaluation plan. Repeals certain definitions relating to school staff performance evaluation plans. Makes conforming amendments. Makes technical corrections.

HB1169Textbooks. Requires public schools to provide curricular materials to students at no cost to a student. Establishes the curricular materials fund (fund) to provide state reimbursements for costs incurred by public schools to provide curricular materials to students at no cost. Provides that the department of education shall administer the fund. Provides that money in the fund is continually appropriated. Makes conforming changes consistent with 2017 legislation and other corresponding changes.

HB1185Teacher salaries. Provides that, for a compensation plan adopted after June 30, 2018, one factor on which a school corporation must base an increase or increment in a local salary range for a teacher is the teacher's possession of a master's or doctorate degree or completion, at any time, of credit hours necessary to obtain a master's or doctorate degree. Provides that a school corporation may negotiate an increase or increment for salaries of teachers who make less than the greater of: (1) $50,000; or (2) the state average for teacher yearly salaries; if the teacher worked at least 120 days for the school corporation during the previous school year. Provides that a school corporation must demonstrate that providing an increase or increment will not place the school corporation in a position of deficit financing.

HB1205Resident tuition rate for undocumented aliens. Provides that an agency or political subdivision is not required to verify that an individual is a United States citizen or qualified alien for the individual to be eligible to pay the resident tuition rate. Repeals a provision that provides that an individual who is not lawfully in the United States is not eligible to pay the resident tuition rate.

HB1208School discipline. Provides that an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline in a school corporation: (1) may not contain any zero tolerance requirements; (2) must reduce disproportionality in discipline or inappropriately high rates of in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion; and (3) must limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to those necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Adds a definition of "exclusion". Adds a definition of "positive discipline". Provides that a school's discipline policy must include a graduated system of discipline and incorporate positive discipline principles and establish clear limits for referring students to law enforcement officials only in cases necessary to protect the safety of other students or school employees. Makes various changes to provisions relating to school discipline to reduce student exclusion from school. Repeals a provision that provides that a principal may require a student at least 16 years of age who wishes to reenroll in school after an expulsion to attend certain alternative educational programs.

HB1279Mandatory testing of students for lead poisoning. Mandates that the governing body of a school corporation require students to be tested for lead poisoning.

HB1282Employment of students. Repeals provisions that require certain students to obtain an employment certificate from an issuing officer in an accredited school to obtain employment. Makes changes to the times that a student who is at least 14 years of age and less than 17 years of age may work. Repeals provisions relating to the amount of time a student who is at least 14 years of age and less than 17 years of age may work. Eliminates requirements for the bureau of motor vehicles to revoke a driver's license or learner's permit of a school dropout. Makes conforming amendments.

HB1294Education study committee. Urges the legislative council to assign to the education study committee during the 2018 legislative interim the topic of studying a diploma option that would replace the Core 40 diploma and general education diploma requirements. Urges the legislative council to assign to the education study committee during the 2018 legislative interim the topic of studying whether Indiana should replace the "A" through "F" grading scale to designate school performance because of changes in federal school accountability requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

HB1326School discipline. Provides that an evidence based plan for improving student behavior and discipline in a school corporation must seek to: (1) reduce out-of-school suspensions and disproportionality in discipline and expulsions; and (2) limit referrals to law enforcement or arrests on school property to cases in which referral to law enforcement or arrest is necessary to protect the health and safety of other students or school employees. Adds a definition of "exclusion". Adds a definition of "positive discipline". Provides that discipline policies established by a superintendent or member of the superintendent's administrative staff must be consistent with positive discipline practices. Provides that a school's discipline policy must include a graduated system of discipline and incorporate positive discipline principles and establish clear limits for referring students to law enforcement officials. Makes various changes to provisions relating to school discipline to reduce student exclusion from school. Repeals a provision that provides that a principal may require a student at least 16 years of age who wishes to reenroll in school after an expulsion to attend certain alternative educational programs.

HB1357College remedial education. Provides for the Hoosier student success initiative. Requires a state educational institution to develop a plan for students who are determined to need remedial education. Requires state educational institutions to develop a corequisite model under which a student concurrently enrolls in a remedial education course and a freshman level course in the same subject area for each subject area for which the student is referred for remedial course work. Provides that, not later than August 1, 2024, each state educational institution shall ensure that at least 75% of the state educational institution's students enrolled in remedial course work other than adult basic education or basic academic skills education are enrolled in remedial corequisite course work. Requires the commission for higher education (commission), in consultation with state educational institutions, to develop and provide professional development programs to faculty and staff who provide remedial course work. Requires each state educational institution to annually report to the commission on the success of the students and the effectiveness of the student success initiative. Requires, not later than November 1, 2020, and each November 1 thereafter, that the commission submit a report evaluating the success of the initiative on a statewide basis to the general assembly

HB1362Curriculum. Requires each: (1) school corporation; (2) charter school; and (3) accredited nonpublic school; to offer computer coding as a one semester elective course in its high school curriculum at least once every school year. Provides that the course may be offered through a course access program administered by the department of education. Requires that a computer coding course must be counted as fulfilling an elective or required world languages credit for a high school diploma unless the course counts as fulfilling another required credit for a high school diploma.

HB1377Seat belts on school buses. Provides that a school bus or special purpose bus that is placed into operation after June 30, 2019, and that is used to transport elementary school or high school students must be equipped with a 3-point lap and shoulder safety belt (safety belt) at each seating location. Requires the state school bus committee to adopt rules for the design, installation, and use of safety belt systems that must be installed in school buses and special purpose buses. Provides for an exception to the laws concerning other types of passenger restraint systems. Requires each occupant of a school bus or special purpose bus that has a safety belt to have the safety belt properly fastened about the occupant's body at all times when the bus is in motion. Establishes the safety belt revolving loan fund (fund). Requires the department of education to establish a revolving loan program to provide loans from the fund to school corporations to assist school corporations, including charter schools, in paying expenses necessary to comply with requirements concerning safety belts on school buses and special purpose buses. Appropriates $5,000,000 to the fund from the state general fund. Makes conforming amendments.

HB1392Mandatory school age. Provides that, after June 30, 2019, a student shall enroll in a kindergarten program not later than the fall term of the school year if the student is five years of age on August 1 of that school year. Makes conforming amendments.

HB1393Hazing. Requires a state educational institution to establish and adopt a policy regarding hazing. Requires that the policy include a requirement that a designated office of a state educational institution, not later than January 1, 2020, and not later than January 1 of each year thereafter, submit to the commission of higher education (commission) a report regarding the number of reports of incidents of hazing, suspected hazing, and any other information requested by the commission. Allows for the commission to adopt rules regarding the hazing policy. Requires a state educational institution to, not later than August 1, 2019, develop andimplement a hazing education program for all new students as part of the state educational institution's new student orientation. Amends the elements to the offense of hazing and repeals the current definition. Prohibits a certain defense to a prosecution for the offense of hazing.

HB1410Civics education. Requires a school corporation, charter school, state accredited nonpublic school, or eligible school (school) to administer a final exam that is developed by the state board of education at the completion of a United States government course. Provides that a school must assign to a student a grade for the exam as a component of the student's grade for a United States government course. Allows a school to determine the weight assigned to the grade on the exam for the course.

SB7School calendar. Prohibits public schools and accredited nonpublic schools from beginning student instructional days for the school year before the last Monday in August, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

SB117Limits on expulsions and long-term suspensions. Requires a determination that a student's school suspension or expulsion will prevent or reduce the risk of interference with an educational function or school purposes, disruption of the learning environment, or physical injury to the student, other students, school employees, or school visitors and, in the case of an expulsion, a determination that all other available and appropriate disciplinary and behavioral interventions have been exhausted. Requires inclusion of the rationale for the use of school suspension or expulsion in the statement to a student's parent.

SB118School City of East Chicago loan. Transfers, not later than July 1, 2018, to the school disaster loan fund from the state general fund an amount sufficient to pay off the loan that was made to the School City of East Chicago school corporation from the school disaster loan fund.

SB133Individual education program students. Requires public schools to provide curricular materials to students with an individualized education program at no cost to the student. Makes conforming changes.

SB136Workforce ready grant. Provides that an applicant is eligible to receive a high value workforce ready noncredit-bearing grant if the applicant has been accepted for enrollment in a noncredit-bearing credential or similar program that offers a certification or credential upon completion that is approved by the department of workforce development. Provides that the credential or similar program may be offered by any public, private, or nonprofit entity, including a postsecondary educational institution. Provides that the noncredit-bearing credential or similar programs determined to be eligible for the high value workforce ready noncredit-bearing grant may not be limited to programs offered by a postsecondary educational institution

SB157Real world career readiness program. Establishes the real world career readiness program (program). Provides that the state board of education (state board) shall establish the program to provide a real world career readiness student with career and technical education credentials necessary to transition from school to the workforce. Provides that the state board, in consultation with the department of workforce development, may create an authorized program, or approve high or moderate value career and technical education programs administered by one or more school corporations or charter schools. Provides that a real world career readiness student may attend an authorized program for a period of not more than one school year after the student's cohort's expected graduation year in order to obtain an industry recognized certification, credential, or postsecondary degree. Provides that a program must include an apprenticeship program, a cooperative program, or a work based learning program. Provides that a student may participate in an authorized program if the student: (1) participates in the Indiana career explorer program or curriculum or an alternative Internet based system and curriculum approved by the department of education, in consultation with the department of workforce development, that includes an aptitude assessment that demonstrates the student's aptitude, in a manner prescribed by the state board, on the aptitude assessment administered for the applicable field of study; or (2) meets alternative qualification requirements for the student's applicable field of study established by the state board in consultation with the department of workforce development. Provides that not later than July 1, 2019, each school corporation or charter high school, either solely, or in a cooperative or consortia with one or more school corporations or charter high schools, must participate in an authorized program beginning with a cohort with an expected graduation year of 2023. Provides that an eligible pupil, for purposes of calculating state tuition support, includes a student enrolled in a program.

SB204Veterans educational matters. Excludes from the determination of financial eligibility for need based financial aid certain benefits received by veteran students. Provides for state educational institution students who are members of the Indiana National Guard or the reserves and are called to active duty during an academic term to receive: (1) a tuition refund or credit; or (2) reenrollment in courses not completed due to active duty status.

SB205School choice scholarships. Provides that, if an eligible choice scholarship student (student) leaves an eligible school during the school year and transfers during the same school year to a different eligible school that has a choice scholarship available for that eligible school, the student may use the amount remaining of the choice scholarship awarded to the student for that school year to pay the tuition at the eligible school to which the student has transferred for the remainder of the school year. Provides that the student may not use the amounts if the student has previously transferred eligible schools during that same school year. Provides that any amounts distributed may not exceed the cost of tuition at the eligible school to which the student transfers.

SB218Procedures to terminate parental rights. Provides that a court may find that reasonable efforts to reunify a child with the child's parent, guardian, or custodian or preserve a child's family are not required if the court finds that the parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who is a child in need of services has failed to maintain consistent and meaningful contact with the child over at least the most recent 12 months. Adds to the list of allegations that satisfy the requirements for a petition for termination of parental rights an allegation that: (1) the parent has failed to maintain consistent and meaningful contact with the child over at least the most recent 12 months; or (2) the parent abandoned the child for at least six months before the filing of the petition to terminate parental rights. Requires a person filing a petition for termination of parental rights to request a hearing at the time the petition is filed.

SB220Reading assessments. Requires, after June 30, 2019, that the state superintendent of public instruction's reading deficiency remediation plan (IREAD) must include a reading evaluation for students by grade 2. Provides that a student who requires remediation after the student is evaluated in grade 2 must receive remedial action and be reevaluated in grade 3. Provides that if the student remains below standard after receiving remedial action and being reevaluated in grade 3, the student, after other methods of remediation have been evaluated or used, or both, may be retained as a last resort.

SB227Eligibility for resident tuition rate. Provides that an individual who meets certain conditions is eligible for the resident tuition rate as determined by the state educational institution. Requires the commission for higher education to prescribe the form of the affidavit an individual must file to be eligible for the resident tuition rate. Provides that an agency or political subdivision is not required to verify that an individual is a United States citizen or qualified alien for the individual to be eligible to pay the resident tuition rate. Repeals a provision that provides that an individual who is not lawfully in the United States is not eligible to pay the resident tuition rate.

SB252Prevention of sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Requires each approved postsecondary educational institution to do the following: (1) Establish a comprehensive policy concerning sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking (comprehensive policy). (2) Develop a concise notice, written in plain language, regarding the rights and options of students who are victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, or stalking and provide the notice to students from whom the approved postsecondary educational institution receives a report of a violation of the comprehensive policy. (3) Designate one or more individuals to serve as confidential advisors to provide emergency and ongoing support to students who are victims of sexual violence, domestic violence, or stalking. (4) Establish a complaint resolution procedure to resolve reports of student violations of an approved postsecondary educational institution's comprehensive policy. (5) Provide training and information concerning sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking to students and certain employees of the approved postsecondary educational institution. (6) Establish an approved postsecondary educational institution campus wide task force or participate in a regional task force to work toward improving coordination among community leaders and service providers in the prevention of sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking and ensure a coordinated response of law enforcement and victim services. (7) Submit a report to the commission for higher education (commission) concerning an approved postsecondary educational institution's comprehensive policy, notice of student rights and options, and information regarding reports of sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking at the approved postsecondary educational institution. Requires the commission to maintain on the commission's Internet web site a list of all the approved postsecondary educational institutions that fail to comply with the reporting requirements.

SB255Mental health education and screenings. Requires a school corporation's health education curriculum to include mental health wellness education. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may provide mental health screenings to students if the governing body receives written consent from a student's parent or guardian to provide a mental health screening to the student. Requires the department of education to provide a school corporation with resources regarding mental health wellness upon request by the school corporation.

SB267School administrator contracts. Provides that, unless a provision in a contract entered into or renewed between the governing body of a school corporation and a principal or an assistant principal before July 1, 2018, provides otherwise, the governing body of a school corporation may not pay to a principal or an assistant principal to buy out a contract an amount that exceeds an amount equal to the principal's or assistant principal's salary for any one year under the contract. Provides that, unless a provision in a contract entered into or renewed between the governing body of a school corporation and an assistant superintendent before July 1, 2018, provides otherwise, a governing body may not pay to an assistant superintendent to buy out a contract an amount that exceeds an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the assistant superintendent's salary for any one year under the contract; or (2) $250,000. Requires that an initial employment contract entered into between the governing body of a school corporation and an assistant superintendent, a principal, or an assistant principal be at least one year and not more than 3 years. (Current law requires the initial contract between the governing body of a school corporation and a principal or assistant principal be the equivalent of at least two years.) Provides that a contract with an assistant superintendent, a principal, or an assistant principal may be extended for an additional three years.

SB272Age for compulsory school attendance. Provides that a student is bound by compulsory school attendance requirements from the beginning of the fall school term for the school year in which the student is five years of age on August 1 of that school year. (Current law provides that a student is bound by compulsory school attendance requirements from the beginning of the fall school term for the school year in which the student becomes seven years of age.) Makes conforming amendments.

SB282Workforce development matters. Requires the state board of education, when establishing an apprenticeship as a graduation pathway requirement, to establish as an apprenticeship only an apprenticeship program registered under the federal National Apprenticeship Act or another federal apprenticeship program administered by the United States Department of Labor. Requires the state workforce innovation council, not an advisory committee, to approve all applicable federal and state workforce related programs. Defines apprenticeship program and work based learning course for career and technical education purposes.

SB298Transfer of credits toward graduate degrees. Requires the commission for higher education (commission) to study and prepare a report concerning transferability of courses between state educational institutions. Requires the commission to provide the report not later than August 1, 2018, to the department of education, the state board of education, and the legislative council. Defines "eligible teacher", for purposes of the dual credit teacher stipend matching grant fund, as a teacher who teaches a dual credit class and either holds or is in the process of obtaining, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, a master's degree that includes at least 18 credit hours in the subject area of the dual credit class the teacher teaches.

SB319Resident tuition rate for eligible individuals. Provides that an individual, except for certain nonimmigrant aliens, who: (1) attends a high school in Indiana for at least three years; (2) registers as an entering student at or enrolls in a state educational institution not earlier than the fall semester (or its equivalent, as determined by the state educational institution) of the 2015-2016 academic year; and (3) graduates from a high school located in Indiana or receives the equivalent of a high school diploma in Indiana; is eligible for the resident tuition rate beginning in the fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year. Requires such an individual to verify that the individual meets the criteria to receive the resident tuition rate.

SB343Veterans education benefits. Provides that a student who is eligible to receive a tuition and fee exemption because the student is a child of a veteran must maintain at least a cumulative grade point average that the eligible institution determines is satisfactory academic progress, which may not be less than a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale or its equivalent as established by the eligible institution. (Current law requires the student to maintain at least a cumulative grade point average that the eligible institution determines is satisfactory academic progress.) Provides that if the Indiana department of veterans' affairs approves a request for a determination of eligibility for a person after the person initially enrolls in a state educational institution (institution) and while the person is attending the institution, the determination of eligibility shall be made retroactive to the date of submission to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of the application to recognize the person's mother's or father's service related death or disability. Provides that the applicant may receive a refund equal to the amount of the tuition and fees paid to the institution by the applicant. Repeals a provision that limits the tuition exemption amount for a child of a veteran who served in the armed forces after June 30, 2011, based on the percentage of the parent's disability rating. Makes conforming amendments.

SB350Various education matters. Requires the board of a charter school to consist of at least two members who reside within the geographic boundaries of the school corporation in which the charter school is located. Prohibits an authorizer from accepting a proposal to establish a charter school from an organizer that already operates a charter school in Indiana unless the organizer provides evidence of improvement and achievement of student academic performance at the charter school. Requires the department of education (department) to establish requirements or criteria to prevent charter school and organizer financial and enrollment fraud, waste, and abuse. Requires a charter school and organizer to obtain annually an independent audit. Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, and each July 1 thereafter, each charter school and organizer shall submit a report to the department. Requires the department and each charter school to post a copy of the report on their respective Internet web sites. Provides that, if the department finds that a charter school or organizer has misrepresented facts or committed fraud, waste, or abuse, the department shall issue findings and may make recommendations to the state board of education to take certain action, including withholding distributions or requiring an authorizer to revoke the charter school's charter. Requires that at least 50% of the public meetings of a charter school be held in the geographic boundaries of the school corporation in which the charter school is located. Provides that increases or increments in a local teacher salary range are not required to be equal for all teachers even if the salary increases or increments are based on the same combination of weighted factors.

SB352 Privacy of students and families. Provides that computer programs and assessments used in connection with a personal analysis, an evaluation, or a survey are included in the instructional materials that a school corporation must make available for inspection by students' parents. Provides that a student may not be required to participate in a personal analysis, an evaluation, or a survey that reveals or attempts to affect the student's attitudes, habits, traits, opinions, beliefs, or feelings concerning sexual orientation (in addition to the list of other matters that a student may not be required to participate in regarding a personal analysis, an evaluation, or a survey). Provides that a school corporation or school shall obtain prior written consent from the parent of a student who is less than 18 years of age and not emancipated before the student may participate in any medical health assessment or service, mental health assessment, or mental health service that is conducted in connection with the school corporation or school. Requires that, before obtaining the consent of a parent, a school corporation or school shall provide the parent informed written notice describing in detail the medical health assessment or service, mental health assessment, or mental health service. Provides that a school corporation or school may not require, without prior consent from the student's parent, a student to submit to a psychiatric or psychological examination or test or psychiatric or psychological treatment in which the purpose of the examination, test, or treatment is to reveal certain information. Establishes requirements regarding student education records, personally identifiable information of a student, and certain other information concerning a student.

SB358Annual notice of teachers' rights. Provides that the attorney general is required to send by electronic mail the annual letter to teachers summarizing teachers' rights and protections under state and federal law. (Current law requires the letter to be sent by first class mail to the teachers' homes.) Charges the department of education (department) with developing a method to provide the attorney general with the names and electronic mail addresses of current teachers in Indiana. (The law currently requires the department to provide the attorney general with the teachers' residential addresses.)

SB364Income tax credit for K-12 education donations. Provides a 50% income tax credit to donors who donate to a public school foundation. Sets forth standards that apply to taking the credit and to public school foundations that receive contributions. Limits the total credits that may be claimed during a state fiscal year using a three year phase in period.

SB365Teacher compensation. Provides that a school corporation may increase a teacher's base salary that exceeds the salary specified in the school corporation's compensation plan if the teacher possesses a master's degree that is: (1) directly related to the content area of a dual credit course or another course taught by the teacher; or (2) approved by the governing body of the school corporation. (Current law provides that a school corporation may provide a supplemental payment to a teacher that exceeds the salary specified in the school corporation's compensation plan if the teacher has earned a master's degree in a content area directly related to the subject matter of a dual credit course or another course taught by the teacher.) Provides that a school corporation may increase the base salary of an elementary school teacher who possesses a master's degree in math, reading, or literacy. (Current law provides that a supplemental payment may be made to an elementary school teacher who earns a master's degree in math or reading and literacy.)

SB366Collective bargaining. Provides that increases or increments in a local teacher salary range are not required to be equal for all teachers even if the salary increases or increments are based on the same combination of weighted factors. Provides that teacher working hours are subject to collective bargaining. Provides that an employer is required to discuss: (1) working conditions; and (2) student learning; with the exclusive representative of certificated employees. Removes teacher evaluations from the list of items that are required to be considered to determine teacher salary increases or increments. Makes changes to the term "deficit financing" for purposes of determining the amount of money that is available for teacher contracts. Makes conforming changes consistent with 2017 legislation.

SB367Trauma sensitive schools. Requires the department of education to conduct a statewide needs assessment survey concerning student service providers and how schools are addressing the social and emotional needs of students.

SB368School financial condition analysis. Provides for a coordinated effort by the department of education, the department of local government finance, the state board of accounts, the management performance hub (MPH), and the distressed unit appeal board (DUAB) in identifying whether a school corporation needs technical assistance in addressing its financial condition. Requires the MPH to submit a preliminary report of its findings to the interim committee on fiscal policy before submitting a final report to the DUAB. Requires the DUAB to make a determination whether a school corporation identified by another agency needs technical assistance, and requires the DUAB to initiate contact with the school corporation governing body chairperson and superintendent to offer the technical assistance. Provides that if a school corporation accepts the assistance, a technical assistance team is created. Requires the team to perform a thorough review of the school corporation's financial condition and recommend actions the school corporation could take to address its financial condition. Requires the team leader to meet with the school corporation officials to review the report. Requires the team leader to include any written response by the school corporation officials in the final report to the DUAB. Specifies that the governing body, the superintendent, and the DUAB may enter into an agreement setting forth the actions that will be taken to implement the recommendations.

SB406Charter school requirements. Requires that the board of a charter school must consist of at least two members who reside within the geographic boundaries of the school corporation in which the charter school is located. Prohibits an authorizer from accepting a proposal to establish a charter school from an organizer that already operates a charter school in Indiana unless the organizer provides evidence of improvement and achievement of student academic performance at the charter school. Removes certain provisions that allow charter schools to: (1) limit new admissions; and (2) give preference to children of the charter school's founders, governing body members, and charter school employees. Prohibits a charter school authorizer or organizer from interfering with or discouraging employees who seek to organize and bargain collectively. Requires all full-time teachers in a charter school to hold a teaching license or to be enrolled in a transition to teaching program. Requires the department of education (department) to establish requirements or criteria to prevent charter school and organizer financial and enrollment fraud, waste, and abuse. Requires a charter school and organizer to obtain annually an independent audit. Provides that, not later than July 1, 2019, and each July 1 thereafter, each charter school and organizer shall submit a report to the department. Requires the department and each charter school to post a copy of the report on their Internet web sites. Provides that, if the department finds that a charter school or organizer has misrepresented facts or committed fraud, waste, or abuse, the department shall issue a summary of the department's findings and may make recommendations to the state board of education to take certain actions, including withholding distributions or requiring an authorizer to revoke the charter school's charter. Requires that at least 50% of the public meetings of a charter school must be held in the geographic boundaries of the school corporation in which the charter school is located. Establishes the charter school market assessment board (board). Requires the board to: (1) conduct a market assessment; (2) provide notice of public meetings and conduct public meetings to receive public input on the market assessment topics; and (3) before January 1, 2019, prepare and submit a report to the legislative council of the board's findings and any recommendation by the board concerning the market assessment.

We Are So Excited!Indiana Coalition for Public Education–Monroe County invites you to an evening at the movies.Join us for a free viewing of the acclaimed documentary, Backpack Full of Cash.

Narrated by Matt Damon, this feature-length documentary explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Filmed in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Nashville and other cities, Backpack Full of Cash takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013–14 school year, exposing the world of corporate-driven education “reform” where public education—starved of resources—hangs in the balance.

Doors open to the theater at 6:30.

Your name will be on the list and we will check it at the door to ensure all ticketholders get a seat.

Seating is first come, first seated.

Intro to the film starts at 6:45.

Film begins at 7:00.

Flyer is here (to come)

Press release is here (to come)

​

The film is proudly sponsored by the following generous donors.

GOLD LEVELIndiana State Teachers Association, District 18Indiana University School of Education

SILVER LEVELIvy Tech Community College BloomingtonMartha & David Moore